Lawton, PhilipPhilipLawtonPunch, MichaelMichaelPunch2014-03-272016-03-242014 Urban2014International Journal of Urban and Regional Researchhttp://hdl.handle.net/10197/5479Throughout the last number of decades, a significant amount of attention has been given to the notion of the 'European city' within policy formation and academic enquiry. From one perspective, the ideal of the 'European city' is presented as a densely developed urban area with a focus on quality public transport and a more balanced social structure. More recently, however, the particular elements of the 'European city' associated with pedestrianized public space, urban design and image-making strategies have become central features of entrepreneurial urban policies throughout Europe. This article seeks to undertake an examination of the notion of the 'European city' in urban change in Dublin since the 1990s. Specifically, the article illustrates the degree to which a wholly positive spin on the urban design and image-making elements of the 'European city' in Dublin has served as a thin veil for the desired transformation of Dublin according to neoliberal principles.enThis is the author's version of the following article: Lawton, Philip, Punch, Michael (20140 "Urban Governance and the ‘European City’: Ideals and Realities in Dublin, Ireland" International Journal of Urban and Regional Research, 38(3): 864-885 which has been published in final form at http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1468-2427.12152DublinNeoliberalismUrban designEntrepreneurial planningEuropean cityJournal Article38386488510.1111/1468-2427.121522014-03-26https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/ie/